The Future Of Fossil Fuels

Energy is what makes the world go around. All of our technologies are designed and developed based on readily available resources, most common of which are fossil fuels. What happens when we run out? The technologies we so heavily rely on for generating food, shelter, and transportation will cease to function. Throughout this article, I will elucidate the importance of developing and implementing alternative energy sources, specifically those that are renewable, into everyday technologies, and the resulting positive and negative consequences that could follow .

According to Professor Chris Rhodes and the latest B.P (British Petroleum) statistical review, the “majority of energy used by humans on Earth is crude oil, accounting for 33% of our total, closely followed by coal at 30%. Natural gas follows at a close third place at 24%; nuclear and hydroelectric at 5-6% each; and the tiny fraction of our overall energy that comes from “renewables”, is just 1.6%.” Based on his research, it can be concluded that we are reliant on fossil fuels for 87% of our total energy. A frightening percentage!

Since we are currently reliant on fossil fuels for 87% of our energy supply, it is important that more money is invested into research and development of new renewable resources. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable. They WILL run out! Failure to implement renewable and sustainable sources of energy could lead to a national crisis.

To give an idea of how fast we are using our oil, we have already passed peak oil production. A “detailed assessment of more than 800 oil fields in the world, covering three-quarters of global reserves, has found that most of the biggest fields have already peaked and that the rate of decline in oil pro...

... middle of paper ...

...ources is that they are “too expensive”. Their EROEI (energy returned on energy invested) is poor, resulting in loss of profits. Wind turbines, solar panels, and most other forms of alternate energy are very expensive and inefficient.

Although this is true in some cases, there is a reason and solution for the problem. More funds must be dedicated to researching and improving these technologies. Nothing happens for free, and research is no exception. Without sufficient funds, these sources of clean energy will neither become more efficient or cost effective.

Since every important aspect of society runs on fossil fuels, and fossil fuels will eventually run out, it is extremely important that we further develop and implement renewable energy into everyday processes. As our population increases, so will our energy demands. We must make changes before it is too late.